LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of 8fold by LaRiSa, Amritsar Heritage Walk, marking the 8fold brand’s first hotel in Punjab. The new property brings the brand’s approach of mindful and uncomplicated hospitality to one of Amritsar’s most well-known heritage areas.

The hotel is located within Amritsar’s Heritage Walk precinct, placing guests along the same lanes that generations of pilgrims have travelled while visiting the Golden Temple. The property is also within walking distance of the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, the market lanes and the Partition Museum.

8fold by LaRiSa, Shimla has been welcoming travellers in North India for nine years. With its Amritsar opening, the brand now welcomes guests visiting Punjab and adds another destination to its growing presence.

Designed for families and groups travelling together, the hotel offers room categories suited to different travel needs. Its in-house restaurant takes inspiration from Amritsar’s food culture, with kulcha at the centre of a menu built around the city’s local flavours.

The idea behind the property is simple, to give travellers a comfortable place to return to after exploring the city on foot and a convenient base to begin again the next morning.

“Amritsar has always meant something to travellers, long before hotels even came into the picture; people have been walking these same lanes to the Golden Temple for generations. With 8fold, we wanted a stay that respects that rhythm rather than getting in its way: somewhere simple to return to at the end of the day”, Priya Thakur, Founder & Director, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts

8fold Locations:

• Shimla: 8fold by LaRiSa, Shimla

• Jibhi: 8fold by LaRiSa, Jibhi

• Bhimtal: 8fold-Pinecrest by LaRiSa, Bhimtal

• Goa: 8fold by LaRiSa, Siolim

• Uttar Pradesh: 8fold by LaRiSa, Basti 

With the launch of 8fold by LaRiSa, Amritsar Heritage Walk, LaRiSa continues to expand its presence across North India while keeping its focus on simple, comfortable and location-led stays.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in Odisha with the signing of Cozzet VICASA Gopalpur, a 50-room brownfield hotel located around 800 metres from Gopalpur Sea Beach. The property is scheduled to open in March 2027, with several rooms offering sea views.

The signing supports Cygnett’s plans to grow through brownfield conversions and asset-light management opportunities across Tier II, Tier III and emerging micro-markets. The move comes as domestic travel continues to grow and more travellers look for professionally managed accommodation beyond major cities.

According to HVS ANAROCK's India Hospitality Industry Overview 2025, Tier III and IV markets accounted for 44% of hotel keys signed and 55% of properties signed during 2025, highlighting the growing role of emerging destinations in India’s hospitality sector.

Located along Odisha’s southern coastline, Gopalpur is developing as a coastal leisure destination, combining beach tourism and weekend travel with access to the region’s natural and cultural attractions. The upcoming hotel is expected to cater to leisure travellers, families, weekend guests, weddings and small corporate groups.

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “India's hospitality growth is increasingly being driven by emerging cities, pilgrimage centres and leisure micro-markets. Gopalpur fits strongly into this strategy. Through brownfield conversions such as Cozzet Vicasa Gopalpur, we can bring quality existing assets into a professional brand, distribution and operating ecosystem while creating long-term value for hotel owners.”

A Contemporary Coastal Stay

Cozzet VICASA Gopalpur will feature 50 guest rooms, including sea-view rooms, along with approximately 2,500 sq. ft. of banquet and event space that can accommodate around 180–200 guests. The hotel will also feature a rooftop restaurant serving regional delicacies and global cuisine in a relaxed coastal setting, adding to its appeal for both leisure and social gatherings.

Cozzet’s Smart, Safe & Sensible Approach

Positioned in the value-driven hospitality segment, Cozzet by Cygnett follows its “Smart, Safe & Sensible” hospitality philosophy. The brand focuses on clean and comfortable rooms, modern amenities and dependable service at an accessible price point.

With branded economy accommodation still having relatively low penetration across India, Cygnett sees considerable potential for organised hotel brands in emerging cities and destinations. Cozzet by Cygnett currently has a development pipeline of more than 600 keys, with hotels at different stages of development and pre-opening across destinations including Noida, Ayodhya, Amritsar, Jaipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Gopalpur signing further strengthens Cygnett’s plans to build a scalable network across regional business centres, pilgrimage destinations, coastal leisure markets and other emerging micro-markets where demand for quality branded accommodation continues to grow.

ITC Hotels Limited has signed a management agreement for Storii Havelock, a 22-key boutique retreat in Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), expanding its presence into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands under the Storii by ITC Hotels brand.

Set amid the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands, the property will offer guests an intimate island retreat surrounded by beaches, clear waters, tropical landscapes and rich marine biodiversity. The hotel is planned around the laid-back character of the destination, giving travellers a setting to enjoy the island’s natural surroundings.

Storii Havelock will feature well designed rooms and suites, along with an all-day dining restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa and kids' play area. The facilities are planned to offer guests a comfortable stay while keeping the island experience at the centre.

Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, "Swaraj Deep (Havelock Island) has emerged as one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations, drawing travellers with its unparalleled natural beauty and distinctive experiences. The signing of Storii Havelock reflects our strategy of expanding across high-potential leisure markets through properties that are rooted in their surroundings. We look forward to introducing the Storii brand to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands."

Arjun Kapoor, Director, M/s Waterwoods Lodge and Resorts Private Limited, said, " We are pleased to collaborate with ITC Hotels on this project. Swaraj Deep continues to attract travellers seeking a blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. We are confident that Storii Havelock will create a compelling hospitality offering that reflects the true spirit of the Andaman Islands.”

The signing marks the entry of the Storii brand into the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and adds another leisure destination to ITC Hotels’ growing portfolio. With its boutique format and island setting, Storii Havelock is positioned to offer travellers an authentic retreat while supporting the continued growth of the region’s hospitality landscape.